Bethel Burying Ground, Unburied

Note: We've reached capacity for the moment, but we expect to have seats available at the event. Please sign up for our wait list!

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church houses the oldest AME congregation in the country. Walk the grounds of its paved-over former cemetery, and join a discussion about black-authored literary works framed around ghosts, and the West African concept of Sankofa. Then, learn about the rediscovery of this forgotten and sacred site, and the rich funerary tradition of Philadelphia’s historic black community.

Also, hear from Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church historian and archivist, Margaret Jerrido; the City of Philadelphia's Chief Cultural Officer Kelly Lee, about plans to build a memorial on this sacred site; as well as Terry Buckalew, a historian who rediscovered the cemetery and researches those laid to rest there. Art-making and performance will round out this event, which asks how a hidden past can be unburied and brought to light.

Refreshments will be served.

This program is part of One Book, One Philadelphia, a signature Free Library event that promotes literacy, library usage, and citywide conversation by encouraging the entire greater Philadelphia area to come together through reading and discussing a single book. The 2019 featured selection is Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward.